Komori System Web VS Heidelberg web 8

Hi all, new member here. I am a Printroom Managaer for a Sheetfed Printer based in ireland. we currently run Heidelberg and MAN Sheetfed Presses, aged between 1990 - 1995. Due to a change in the Market we are now in managment are keen to replace 2 of our oldest manual sheetfeds for a used older half size web, and i am inclinded to agree with this move.

However although i am mechanically and technically minded, i have never run any web press although do have a very basic knowledge, so the choice is quite a difficult one to make. the owners have located a 1990 heidelberg web 8 and a 1992 komori system 20, both have butler stands and quadtech register/cutoff cntrls. on the face of it spec wise they seem very similar but i would like opinions on pros and cons of either and specifically ease of use.

Hi
I am also new here
As far as my personal experince on a Heidelberg Web 8 I would say you can't go wrong on that little press!
Only ever worked on Heidelberg webs in South Africa
Served my time on a Web 8 and have since only run M600s (16 page)
I also have experience on sheetfed,so I would say the transition from a Heidelberg sheetfed to a Heidelberg web 8 will not be drastic seeing as you are technicaly and mechanicaly minded and already have experience with Heidelberg "technology"
The CPC's should be identical
The (I presume Vits) sheeter is straight forward and practical
Folder can do just about any fold thinkable
There are in-line perforating units for your notching cutting and scoring.
Just all round I think its a brilliant piece of engineering that to this day there is not much that would change on a Web 8,except for maybe automatic plate up.I myself could do a 8 plate change in under 7 minutes so that is no big deal
The only downsides to this press would be no CLC (closed loop inking system) and no automatic blanket wash
If there's anything else you would like to know feel free to contact me

Thanks for you Help, Originaly we were going to go straigt for the heidelberg however after speaking to a few people we were told the komori is a Brilliant Machine, but i dont htink they are as common as the heidelberg so finding someone who has operated both will be difficult.

Yes I have worked both presses, but 95% on the Komori system 20, also 16/32 page Web Offset Presses.

Is this venture into Web Offset new to you ?

Are both presses fitted with a VITS Sheeter ?

Basically both presses are good, the Komori Folder settings are more complicated.

Finally, I suggest you read the many PDFs I have posted on this forum - re Web Offset Printing.

Regards, Alois

thanks very much for your help sir. yeas web offset is new to us. both machines have a vits sheeter. what sort of plate up time would you expect on both presses, one poster says it took him around 7 mins to do a full 8 plate change on the web 8, which is quicker thank any manual sheetfed ive ever known, how does this compare to the komori?

Enlightenment

Hello n-iprinter,

However long it takes to plate-up --- that is the least of your Worries!!!!

Web Offset:

What you should aiming for is, How long it takes to web-up the press/make-ready and have the press
runninig at production speed - producing good saleable copies and keeping the press running --
be aware that you have to rectify any press production problems while the press is - Running!

The decision to stop the press, must not be taken lightly, it could prove costly in down time, remember there are 100 meters of paper running through a 4 unit press

However long it takes to plate-up --- that is the least of your Worries!!!!

Web Offset:

What you should aiming for is, How long it takes to web-up the press/make-ready and have the press
runninig at production speed - producing good saleable copies and keeping the press running --
be aware that you have to rectify any press production problems while the press is - Running!

The decision to stop the press, must not be taken lightly, it could prove costly in down time, remember there are 100 meters of paper running through a 4 unit press

Look either way you go you will need to get somebody who has experience to maximise efficiency,and all I'm saying is that if you already have experience on a heidelberg it will make life a whole lot easier as there will be less to learn in terms of functionalities
This press is manageable with one highly skilled minder and 3 crew members
There will be no need to break the web during a wash and a plate up and web breaks are less likely the thicker the stock
I'm just talking from 1st hand experience on this press and giving my own views,I am in no way putting down Komori...